LP Wood Block: Museum Object and Cultural History

The object in the museum catalogue

This wood block was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a “Groove” Block, made of maple, with a maple [cowbell] beater.

As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “LP Groove Blocks are today's version of the traditional wood block. Made of select North American Maple these highly durable blocks produce wood accents, with surprising volume. Extremely dependable, LP Groove Blocks have made their way into the Salsa scene as a substitute to the standard cowbell. One of LP's earliest inventions, LP Wood Blocks are no ordinary blocks. They feature a unique sound chamber with a ported exit to provide sharp, high-pitched sounds that are great for keeping time. LP Wood Blocks are made with exotic hardwood playing surfaces and North American Maple bodies. Their clear, distinct sounds have become favored by orchestral musicians. They can be used on a flat surface or mounted with the LP Wood Block Mounting Bracket.”

Materials, dates and provenance

• Date made: 1999
• maker: Latin Percussion
• Object Name: wood block
• Physical Description: maple (overall material)
• Measurements: overall: 5.5 cm x 20 cm x 6 cm; 2 3/16 in x 7 7/8 in x 2 3/8 in
• Measurements: wood block: 2 3/16 in x 8 in x 2 5/16 in; 5.55625 cm x 20.32 cm x 5.87375 cm
• Measurements: beater: 10 3/8 in x 1 in; 26.3525 cm x 2.54 cm
• place made: United States: New Jersey, Garfield
• ID Number: 2000.3039.04
• catalog number: 2000.3039.04
• nonaccession number: 2000.3039
• Credit Line: Transfer from Smithsonian Institution Center for Latino Initiatives (through: Dr.Refugio l. Rochin,Director)
• Data Source: National Museum of American History

Sources and reuse

Catalogue descriptions and facts adapted from National Museum of American History through the Smithsonian's official Open Access dataset. This record explicitly marks its metadata CC0 1.0; formatting and selection have been changed.